Announcing the $3.7 million goal for the 2010 Annual Catholic Appeal campaign,
Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas hopes Catholics across the Diocese of Tucson take a close look
at the campaign’s poster.
“You’ll see that this beautiful image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is actually a mosaic with hundreds of photographs of our parishes, our Catholic schools, our seminarians, our deacons, our sisters, brothers,”
says the Bishop in a video produced for the
campaign.
And, in this special Year for Priests
proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI, “You’ll
see each one of our priests.”
The Bishop points to parishioners who
also are pictured in the mosaic:
“You, the Eucharistic Ministers, ushers,
singers and musicians, teachers of religious
education, youth ministers.
“You, the members of the Knights
of Columbus, Catholic Daughters, St.
Vincent de Paul, Cursillo, Serra, Scouting,
Peace and Justice, Pro-Life.
“You, growing closer to the Lord, handing on the Faith to your children and your
grandchildren.
“You, sacrificing in your generosity to
‘I ask for your help now so that our
make it possible for your parish and for
Diocese can continue to do the day-to- our Diocese to carry on the mission that
day work of carrying on the mission Christ has given us.”
The mosaic, the Bishop says, symbolizthat Christ has given us.’
es the Appeal campaign’s theme “To Love
— Bishop Kicanas and Serve One Another.”
See APPEAL page 9

INSIDE

Annual
fiscal
report
The fiscal report of the
Diocese of Tucson outlines
how the funds contributed
enable the Diocese to fulfill
its mission.
-Pages 8-9

‘I met Christ…I met Him in the countless
children who live alone with their families
at the dump in Nogales, Sonora…’
So said Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas after he greeted the
children and said Mass during a Christmas party sponsored by the Tucson-based group called “Poverty 24/6.”
See more on pages 12 and 13.

It’s ‘National
Migration Week’
The Catholic Church in the United States
will celebrate “National Migration Week” on
Jan. 3-9 with the theme this year again being
“Renewing Hope, Seeking Justice,” although
the focus will be migrant and refugee children.
This follows the lead of the Pope Benedict XVI, who has chosen the theme “Minor
Migrants and Refugees” for the 2010 World
Day of Migrants and Refugees.
“Children are an exceptionally vulnerable
population that are easily taken advantage of,
exploited and abused,” said Bishop John C.
Wester of Salt Lake City, chairman of the U.S.
Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee
on Migration.
“This is particularly true when they are
undocumented and unaccompanied in a
foreign country and, all too often, with nobody
to turn to for help,” he said.
In coordination with The Catho­l ic University of America, a new educational Website
(http://libraries.cua.edu/achrcua/packets.
html), focuses on the important role that the
Catholic Church has played in the immigration
debate throughout 20th Century America.
For more information about this topic, go to
www.justiceforimmigrants.org.
Memorial marks the site where the body of Josseline Janiletta Hernandez Quinteros, 14, was found in the desert.

Death, disappearance of a child transcends borders

By JULIETA GONZALEZ
Special to The New Vision

The death of a child strikes at the heart
of Americans as they view news reports
of the devastation caused by acts of war,
drought, earthquakes and other natural
or man-made disasters. The results are
the loss of thousands of people, including
children from starvation, disease, torture,
neglect and abandonment. The hopelessness in their faces is compelling. International agencies and internationally known
mega stars appeal to governments to remedy the terror and horror.
Americans readily associate these events
with the landscapes of Africa, Asia, and
the Middle East.
Few realize or understand that similar
deaths are occurring in their own backyard.
Even fewer Americans realize that their
own government’s immigration policies
and border security enforcement actions
are contributing to the ongoing tragedy.
Does the fact that these children who
have “gone missing” or who have died are
considered illegal entrants by the United
States government diminish the dignity
of their lives? Are their deaths any less a
heartbreak to a society that cherishes freedom and migration in search of the American Dream?

2

Information and knowledge is basic to
American values. Behavior based upon the
acquisition of knowledge is difficult if not
impossible to predict. Having information,
however, can produce psycho-emotional
responses which open minds and hearts,
especially among Americans who appreciate their present circumstances, despite
perceived economic hardship.
The fact that children are dying and
going missing while crossing the treacherous, yet stunningly beautiful American Southwest, may lead to a softening
of the harsh judgments cast upon immigrant border crossers who risk everything
to pursue a hope-based future bearing the
slightest opportunity for a meager wage or
for the joy of reuniting with family north
of the border.
A documentary in development titled
“Angelitos del Desierto” (working title)
examines the issue of children whose
remains have been found in the desert; of
children who have been reported missing
by their parents who crossed separately
and trusted smugglers to unite them with
their children; and the efforts of humanitarians on both sides of the United States/
Mexico border to alleviate and ultimately
change policies that have forced migrants
into one of the most difficult and deadly
crossing zones.
Historically, during economic hard

times, Americans become increasingly
hostile and apathetic about issues related
to immigrants, particularly those defined
as “illegal” or undocumented. The truth
remains, that despite border surveillance
by rogue groups of “Minute Men” or by
the U.S. Border Patrol and the building of walls, migrants continue to cross,
even during the harsh summer months
that in some instances are a certain death
sentence.
Volunteers with Humane Borders, No
More Deaths and Samaritanos, who work
saving the lives of crossers, especially
during summers with extreme temperatures, have encountered children during
their humanitarian patrols through known
migrant trails used by those very crossers.
One of those volunteers, who has been
interviewed for this project, found the
body of a 14 year-old girl from El Salvador. She was traveling with a family group
en route to Los Angeles to reunite with her
mother.
She was left behind when she couldn’t
keep up with the major group which
included a younger brother. The psychoemotional impact of that event still resonates with the young man who found her.
A 13 year-old boy has been reported missing by his mother who lives in the
United States. She had entrusted the care
and crossing of this boy along with his 16

year-old brother to smugglers. The group
the boys crossed with was brought over
the border by smugglers. The younger of
the two brothers was unable to keep up
with the larger group and, in an instant,
members of that group of migrants lost
sight of the younger boy.
His mother continues to ask advocates
of Derechos Humanos if they have heard
any news of his disappearance.
The Jesuits of the Western Province of
California began the kino border Initiative
one year ago. Part of their program, based
in Nogales, Sonora, includes a program for
women and children. The Initiative assists
crossers, including those who are crossing
back south of the border after either being
deported or losing all hope and who need
assistance to return to their native land.
The Jesuits’ food, clothing, guidance
and temporary shelter nourish both the
physical, spiritual and human suffering
caused by displacement and uprooting of
families brought about by a decision made
in desperation and an attempt at redemption in a new and sometimes hostile land.
They are a crossroads to reunite children
with their families, to support those families who have lost loved ones en route and
to strengthen the family torn by crossing
the border.

THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG • JANUARY 2010

FROM THE BISHOP

Praying in many languages

Rezamos en muchos idiomas

The nine-county territory of our Diocese has great geographic diversity. Soaring mountains that we call “sky islands.” Forests of saguaro cactus.
Barren deserts. Fertile valleys that supply the nation with lettuce and
vegetables. The great Colorado River.
Our Diocese also has great “people” diversity. People who lived here
first. People who have come over the years from all over the world. People
who came just yesterday, fleeing repression in a war torn country. They –
we – are as diverse as our geography.
I believe strongly that our Catholic “people” diversity is a blessing, but
I know that some people are not comfortable with it when they experience it at Mass.
For example, sometimes directly, sometimes indirectly, I hear wellmeaning people ask after our diocesan liturgies:
Why is the bishop speaking Spanish? Why are the hymns being sung
in Spanish, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Korean, Polish or some other language
I don’t understand? Why are the prayers of the faithful spoken in four or
five different languages?
And after those questions, there invariably is this:
Don’t we all speak English? Why complicate things by using diverse
languages?
Recently, several pastors have shared with me that they have been
asked by a few persons in their parishes why a Mass in Spanish has been
started or why a Mass that had been in English now includes some readings, prayers and hymns in Spanish.
The pastors say they hear from these few people:
We have never done this. Why are you confusing our prayers? This just
divides our community.
These questions and comments that I hear and that our pastors are
hearing need our understanding and our response.
Prayer – whether communal or individual – flows from the heart, from
the deepest recesses of our souls.
Prayer is the language of love that we naturally express in the first
language we learn – the language the family uses at the dinner table to
ask God to bless them and the gifts before them, the language the mother
uses to teach the Sign of the Cross, the language the father uses to recite
the bedtime prayer as he tucks the children in at night.
When we gather for Mass, whether in the parish church or in our
Cathedral for a diocesan liturgy – using the different “first languages” we
learned should make us all feel at home, make us feel welcome.
I understand that most often when Mass is celebrated in our Diocese it
more than likely is going to be in one language, usually English or Spanish.
However, for the community of Our Lady of LaVang Parish in Tucson,
the one language for the Mass is Vietnamese.
Moreover, the Mass is celebrated on a regular schedule in Korean at St.
Andrew Chapel at St. Ann’s Convent in Tucson and in Polish at St. Cyril
of Alexandria Parish in Tucson.
I think it is important that we all have at least some opportunity to
worship in our first language.
So, I applaud and support our pastors who create those opportunities.

JANUARY 2010 • THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG

3

BISHOP continued from page 3

At the same time, I think it is important that a parish
community be prepared for the introduction of a liturgy
that is going to be in or include a “different” language than
the language normally used for parish worship.
I also think it is important that liturgy aids are available
to help those who don’t speak the “different” language to
feel at home.
World Youth Day is a good example to use for people
who are uncomfortable with “different” languages in
OBISPO continua de página 3

Mass.
Bringing together young people from all over the globe,
World Youth Day inspires the young with a powerful sense
of the Church’s universality. They experience, often for the
first time, that the Church is larger than their own parish,
bigger than their own diocese, more extensive than their
own culture.
In the mass of young people who gather for World
Youth Day, you hear dozens of “first” languages. This
diversity does not dilute or divide; it augments and unifies
the prayer of the Mass. All raise their voice in praise. All

share in the prayer, no matter what language in which it
is spoken.
Likewise, I think our communities of faith can benefit by prayer and liturgy that reflect the universality of
our Church formed by Christ for the salvation of every
nation.
Instead of being a source of frustration or division, I
hope the use of diverse languages at the Mass will inspire
and impress us, as it does the young people at World Youth
Day, with the beauty of the Church united at prayer.

Sister Jean Clare Little, who died on Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009, at the Holy Cross Sisters
Motherhouse in South Bend, Ind., worked in the Diocese of Tucson for 15 years, two as a
junior high teacher at Santa Cruz School and 13 as a learning disability teacher in various schools in the Diocese.
“We are grateful to the Holy Cross Sisters from South
Bend, Indiana, for allowing Sister Jean Clare to minister to students with special needs here, in the Diocese of
Tucson,” said Sister Rosa Maria Ruiz, superintendent of
schools.
“We admired and loved Sister Jean Clare, and I am sure
that she is even now looking over our children and ensuring that we continue helping our children in Catholic
schools, especially those with learning needs.”
In her last seven years in the Diocese of Tucson she
helped students at Sts. Peter and Paul, Santa Cruz School
Sister Jean Clare
and San Xavier. During her last year she worked at Sts.
Peter and Paul School because she could no longer drive to Santa Cruz and San Xavier.
Not able to go to these two schools was very hard for Sister Jean Clare because she loved
all children and, in a very special way, the children at Santa Cruz and San Xavier.

A memorial Mass was held at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Tucson on Dec. 5 for
Very Rev. Leo McCarthy, O.Carm., former principal of Salpointe Catholic High School,
who passed away on Nov. 18 in Sarasota, Fla., at the age of 75.
Father Leo assumed his role at Salpointe in 1986 and led the school to many improvements in curriculum, introducing a partnership with Pima Community College to enable
students to earn college credits.
Father Leo also guided efforts to improve and expand the school campus, raising $6
million for new classrooms and the Bishop Francis J. Green Center for Student Services,
in which it houses the Helena Corcoran Theater, Alumni Hall and O’Donnell Plaza, and
refurbished the library and renovated the sports facilities.
Born in Salem, Mass., on Aug. 29, 1934, Father Leo also held positions in educational
ministry at Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H., and at Kino Institute in Phoenix.
Father Leo was elected Prior Provincial of the Carmelite Order in 1996 and in 2002
he became parochial vicar and then pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Osprey,
Fla. He retired in 2008.
Father Leo was buried in Peabody, Mass., after a Mass of Christian Burial at the
Discalced Carmelite Nuns Monastery Chapel in Danvers, Mass.
Donations in his memory to the Rev. Leo McCarthy, O.Carm., Endowed Financial
Aid Fund can be sent to Salpointe Catholic High School, 1545 E. Copper St., Tucson,
AZ 85719.

Francisco Medina

2716 S. Kolb Rd.
(520) 790-4033

Photography

Monday – Friday 9:30 am – 6:30 pm.
Saturday 10:00 am – 6:30 pm

• Weddings

Start your New Year
In a special way!

• Quinceñera

• Portraits

• One on one or group instruction

Photozbycisco@aol.com
http://Photozbycisco.i8.com

4

Phone: 520-869-1136
Testimonials available

Join us January 30
at 4:00 p.m. for a
Class on the Book
of Christian Prayer.
Reserve your seat! 520-790-4033

Se Habla
Español

Present this coupon for a 10%
discount*on your purchase!
*Some items not eligible for discounts

Coupon expires Feb 6, 2010

www.frkinoscorner.com

THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG • JANUARY 2010

Families gathered at Holy Hope Cemetery on
Dec. 11 for the 6th Annual Advent Mass and tree
lighting. Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas celebrated the
Mass and presided at the festivities with more than
400 Tucsonans and cemetery staff members.
Deacon George Scherf of St. Odilia Parish
assisted and music was provided by Janna Larson
and Grace and Charles Lohr. The participants
sang carols and walked in a candlelight procession

from the mausoleum complex to the feature in the
Garden of the Angels, where two living trees were
decorated in memory of departed loved ones.
The next morning, Father Remigio “Miguel”
Mariano of St. Joseph Parish led more than 50
family members and staff in the Advent Mass and
tree-decorating service at Our Lady of the Desert
Cemetery. Music was provided by Grace Lohr,
Janna Larson and Dan Howdeshell.

Enjoy dinner, dancing, live and silent auctions
and music by the Retro Rockets
Visit http://salpointe.maestroweb.com
or call 520-547-5878 for reservations

JANUARY 2010 • THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG

5

AROUND THE DIOCESE

Award-winners
at Sts. Peter and
Paul School
Student- of-the-Month
award winners at Sts. Peter
and Paul School display their
certificates as they pose with
Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas at
Sts. Peter and Paul Church,
where the Bishop celebrated
Mass for the school’s students and faculty last month
and blessed the new chapel to
Mary, Mother of Life, at the
rear of the church. Bishop
Kicanas handed out the certificates after the Mass.

Tucson’s ‘March for Life’ on Jan. 16
Tucson’s 15th annual “March for Life” will be staged
on Saturday, Jan. 16, beginning at St. Augustine Cathedral
with a rally and Mass at 9 a.m. and ending at Holy Hope
Cemetery with a memorial service at the “Monument to
Rachel.”
Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas will be joined by clergy and
supporters of life from throughout the region for this
special event commemorating the 36th anniversary of the
Rowe v. Wade decision of the U.S. Supreme Court that
legalized abortion.
Supported by the Knights of Columbus and Tucson for
Life, the March for Life “calls for the reversal of Rowe v.
Wade and alternatives to the taking of innocent life and
for respect for all the potential and possibilities of those
yet to be born,” Bishop Kicanas said.
“The message of the march is an invitation to help, to
be in solidarity with the fears, struggles, even desperation
of women seeking abortions,” he said. “There are people
willing to help. The message of the march is a reminder
to our parishes that ministry to a woman who is in crisis
because of pregnancy must be a priority.”

The Tucson March for Life, originated and organized
by Kelly Copeland, said on its Website that the march
is “a prayerful witness to the sanctity of human life, and
remains dignified and non-provoking in its approach.”
The New Year marks the 36th anniversary of the legal
killing of the unborn in the U.S. On January 22, 1973, the
U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of a woman’s *right* to
end the life of her baby at any time before birth.

Essays wanted
Students who participate in the Serra Club of Tucson’s
2009 essay contest will be asked to tell “what would
encourage young people to consider serving our Church
as priest, sisters, or brothers.”
All students in grades four through 12 at Catholic schools in the diocese are eligible to enter the essay
contest with a chance to win savings bonds or gift certificates when the winners are announced on May 12. The
students must also be attending their parish religious
education programs. First-place winners will be asked to

JMJ
Jesus Mary Joseph Ministries

non-profit
non-tax

read their essays.
Essays must be hand-written and submitted to the
student’s teacher and mailed to the Serra Club by March
31.
Contest information and entries should be handled
through teachers and principals at schools and through
the religious education teachers at parishes.

San Miguel receives grant
In response to San Miguel High School’s request, Citi
has granted San Miguel $10,000 in support of the school
programs that prepare students for college.
The funds will be used for the school’s “College
Prepared is College Bound” program, a program that
helps students, from their freshman to their senior
years, prepare for college. This includes preparation for
college entrance exams, attending field trips and summer
programs, researching and visiting schools and applying
to schools, and applying for financial aid.
The program includes workshops and seminars for
parents who want guidance in how best to support their
college-bound student.

For the Year of the
Priesthood:

Paris, Ars, Lourdes,
Italy trip with
Father Juan Carlos
Aguirre

France Pilgrimage June 16th - July 1st, 2010

THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG • JANUARY 2010

AROUND THE DIOCESE

Recruiting team assembled
Are you ready for the
challenge of a lifetime?
That’s the question being
posed to young adults
throughout the Diocese of
Tucson by the Religious
Vocations Preaching Team.
The group was formed to
recruit young women and
men, ages 20 to 35, to the
life of Vowed Religious as
Sisters and Brothers.
The team’s members will
visit parishes and parish
youth groups to talk and
answer questions – and
hopefully inspire the young

Award winners
For the past 17 years, Salpointe Catholic High School
has presented the Elizabeth Ann Seton Award to an
outstanding individual or individuals who have made
significant contributions to Catholic education in the
Diocese of Tucson, and this year this prestigious award is
being presented to San Miguel High School’s Principal,
Brother Nick Gonzalez, FSC, and Santa Cruz Catholic
School’s Principal, Sister Leonette Kochan, OSF.
The awards will be presented at a breakfast on Monday,
Jan. 25, at 7:30 a.m. at the Salpointe cafeteria.

Salvatorians celebrate
Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas visited with the Salvatorians and participated in a prayer service and dinner on the anniversary of the
Founding Day of the religious order on Dec. 8, 1881. Priests, sisters and lay persons gathered to renew their vows and commitment to the Salvatorian Family which is an international apostolic community that strives to make the Savior known and loved
through all ways and means. The Salvatorians have been ministering and serving in the Diocese of Tucson for more than 60
years. For further information log onto Salvatorians.com

JANUARY 2010 • THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG

7

FY 2008-09 ANNUAL REPORT OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The annual report of financial information demonstrates how the Diocese of Tucson
Administrative Offices use the funds that are so generously contributed by parishioners,
benefactors and grantors to enable the Diocese to fulfill its mission to serve spiritual,
pastoral, social service, educational and other needs of the Faithful of the Diocese.
The financial information presented includes only that related to the Diocese of Tucson
Administrative Offices under the direct control of the Bishop of Tucson.

WHERE THE DIOCESE OF TUCSON ADMINISTRATIVE
OFFICES INCOME CAME FROM IN FISCAL YEAR 2008-09
Annual Catholic Appeal

$ 2,000,000

Contributions, grants, bequests

1,108,505

Insurance billings

783,539 Note 1

Parish assessments

1,783,300 Note 2

Advertising and fees for service

444,908

Facility rentals

50,815

Program fees

206,500

Investment income

204,986

Other revenues

9,651

Total Revenues

$ 6,592,204

8

Not included is financial information for parishes, Catholic schools, Diocese of Tucson
Catholic Cemeteries, Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Tucson, Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona, Our Faith, Our Hope, Our Future, Inc., Priests Assurance Corporation, Catholic Tuition Support Organization and the Diocese of Tucson
Charity and Ministry Fund, all of which are separate entities.
The information includes sources and uses of income and net assets (that assist and
support the Bishop of Tucson in fulfilling his many responsibilities for pastoral care and
leadership of the Diocese) and liabilities.
The information included in this annual report is excerpted from the audit report as
performed by Keegan, Linscott & Kenon, P.C., who rendered an unqualified opinion.
The complete audit report, including all accompanying notes, is available at the Diocese
of Tucson website www.diocesetucson.org under “Reports, Statements, Letters.”
-------------------------

In addition to the Office of the Bishop, the Administrative Offices include: Chancellor
(Archives); Judicial Vicar (Tribunal); Vicar General/Moderator of the Curia (Corporate
Matters); Communications; The New Vision newspaper; Vocations; Human Resources,
Fiscal and Administrative Services; Property Management and Insurance Administration; Child, Adolescent and Adult Protection; Department of Pastoral Services (Catechesis, Catholic Social Mission, Divine Worship, Evangelization and Hispanic Ministry, Formation and Youth, Young Adult and Family Ministry); Department of Catholic
Schools; Vicar for Deacons; and Vicar for Religious.

$484,325
400,257

Catholic Schools Administration

321,523

Parish Assistance and Native American Missions

827,647

Communications, The New Vision newspaper

301,632

Archives

64,364

Office of the Bishop, Vicar General, Chancellor, & Tribunal

597,287

Office of Child, Adolescent and Adult Protection

163,894

General Administration

735,912

Fiscal, Employee Services & Property Management

1,106,524

Diocesan Insurance Program

817,544

Interest

163,915

Gain on Sale of Fixed Assets

(730)

Bad Debt Expense

320,783

Depreciation

67,502

Total Expenses

$ 6,392,245

Note 1: Insurance expense continues to be a significant cost for all diocesan entities. The Diocese of Tucson Administrative Offices negotiates for and secures the health,
workmen’s compensation, property, liability and auto insurance for parishes and other
Catholic organizations affiliated with the mission of the Diocese. Currently, workmen’s
compensation, property, liability and auto coverage are a combination of self-insurance
and re-insurance coverage from major insurance carriers.
As part of the insurance program, the Diocese of Tucson has joined with other (arch)
dioceses across the country to form two captive risk retention insurance companies. The
Bishops’ Property Insurance Company (BPIC) provides coverage for property, casualty
and workmen’s compensation losses. The Diocese is also a shareholder in The Ordinary
Mutual (TOM), which provides liability insurance, including sexual misconduct insurance coverage.
Note 2: Parish assessments consist of two separate assessments made on parishes
according to the provisions of canon law: the priests’ salary subsidy assessment and the
Chancery assessment.
The priests’ salary subsidy assessment is applied to parishes in proportion to their
offertory income relative to all parish offertory income diocesan-wide and is used to help
pay the salaries of priests in poorer parishes.
The Diocese collects the assessments and disburses the monies to poor parishes and
missions throughout the Diocese. No portion of the salary subsidy assessment is retained
by the Diocese.
The second assessment, the Chancery assessment, is a levy (or tax) on a parish’s offertory collection. For parishes with annual ordinary income of less than $30,000, the assessment is 3.5 per cent of income; for parishes with ordinary income greater than or equal
to $30,000 the assessment is 7 per cent of ordinary income. The Chancery assessment is
the primary funding source for the administrative functions of the Diocese, including:
Human Resources, Fiscal and Administrative Services, Office of Child, Adolescent and
Adult Protection, General & Administrative expenses and debt service.
Note 3: In June 2004, St. Augustine Catholic High School purchased the Regina
Cleri Center from the Diocese for $3 million; comprised of $600,000 in cash and a note
payable to the Diocese in the amount of $2.4 million. In February 2009 due to financial
challenges resulting from limited enrollment, St. Augustine defaulted on the note and
conveyed title back to the Diocese in full satisfaction of the note. The Diocese recorded
the value of the land at the currently appraised value of $2.75 million. The note receivable had a carrying amount of $960,000 which was written off at the time of conveyance,
resulting in a $1,790,000 gain, which is shown as a gain on extinguishment of note receivable in the statement of operations and changes in net assets.

THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG • JANUARY 2010

FY 2008-09 ANNUAL REPORT OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The Administrative Offices of the Diocese of Tucson
Statement of Financial Position
June 30, 2008-09
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash – limited as to use (Insurance reserve)
Accounts receivable (net of allowance of $166,303)
Grants receivable

$ 2,183,392
1,340,016
295,392

Notes receivable (current)
Other receivables

45,123
150,797

Total Assets

Investments
Prepaid expenses and other assets
Custodial funds held for others
Investment in Bishops’ Property Insurance Corporation
Notes receivable
Land, building and equipment

Liabilities:
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Custodial funds held for others
Notes payable, current
Total current liabilities

$488,378
400,537
578,393
1,467,308

SIGNIFICANT ITEMS:
The Diocese has a positive balance in unrestricted net assets of $2,370,833 as compared
to a deficit of $157,456 last year. This is a significant improvement from six years ago
when the unrestricted net asset deficit balance was almost $7 million. This improvement
again demonstrates that the Diocese is regaining financial stability after the expenses of
the Chapter 11 process. During the 2008-09 fiscal year, the Diocese had an increase in net
assets of $1,720,905. The breakdown of the increases in the net assets is: $1,708,780 unrestricted; $2,909 temporarily restricted; and $9,216 permanently restricted.

CHANGE IN DIOCESE OF TUCSON ADMINISTRATIVE
OFFICES NET ASSETS
Excess of revenues over expenses
Gain on extinguishment of note receivable
Change in Net Assets
Net assets at beginning of year
Net assets at end of year

$ 199,959
1,790,000 Note 3
1,989,959
4,198,283
6,188,242

APPEAL continued from page 1

“The beautiful mosaic is formed by people as an illustration of our love for one another,” he says, adding, “You know, our mosaic really does communicate to us that we truly
are the Body of Christ and that united in our Faith we accomplish so much good in His
name.”
Bishop Kicanas emphasizes the importance of fully funding the 26 charities and ministries that that rely upon the Appeal for their funding.
“The goal for this year’s Appeal is just the bare minimum that these charities and
ministries need so that they can do their essential work effectively,” he says.
The $3.7 million goal, $300,000 more than last year’s goal, “reflects both the reality of
our times and the reality of the needs that we must respond to as we do the day-to-day
work of our Church.”
The Bishop tells parishioners that their generosity to their parishes and their continuing support of the Diocese’s renewal campaign, Our Faith, Our Hope, Our Future,
humbles and inspires him.
“Times are tough. People continue to struggle in the current economy. But you remain
so faithful in helping your pastor and so faithful in helping me to respond to the many
needs that we have as a Church.”
The Bishop asks that parishioners consider pledging the same amount or even more
than they did to last year’s Appeal. He urges those who were unable to give last year to
“give what you can” this year.
The Bishop said he believes reaching the goal “is possible, if everyone gives something.”
Among the 26 ministries and charities that depend upon the Appeal are the uniquely Catholic ministries of Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona, evangelization and religious education, formation of new deacons and lay ecclesial ministers,
encouragement and support of vocations to the priesthood and outreach to youth.
Leading up to “Commitment Weekend” on Feb. 13-14, leadership training sessions are
underway in the 11 vicariates within the Diocese.
Parishioners can view the campaign video and get more information about the Appeal
and the charities and ministries that receive support at the Annual Catholic Appeal
Website, www.annualcatholicappealcmf.org.
Pledges and pledge payments can be made online.

JANUARY 2010 • THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG

9

For Pope, 2009 was an extraordinary year
By JOHN THAVIS
Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY -- Looking back on 2009, it’s difficult to imagine a busier year for 82-year-old Pope Benedict XVI.
The Year of St. Paul. The Year for Priests. A major social
encyclical. A Holy Land pilgrimage. A first meeting with
President Obama. Ten new saints. An African trip and an
African synod. A Facebook debut. A controversial concession to Catholic traditionalists. An unexpected overture
to disaffected Anglicans.
And those are just the highlights. Being pope is a dayin, day-out ministry, and over the course of the past year
Pope Benedict met with more than 200 dignitaries and
groups, held talks with more than 300 bishops and celebrated more than 50 major liturgies.
The year brought moments of deep personal satisfaction, as when the German pontiff prayed in silence before
Christ’s empty tomb in Jerusalem, or when he arrived on
his first African visit to a tumultuous welcome by hundreds
of thousands of Cameroon residents.
But the Pope’s disappointment was also evident in
2009, in part because he felt misunderstood by some of his
own faithful and the mass media over difficult decisions
or statements.
In January, the Pope announced that he was lifting the
excommunications of four bishops of the Society of St.
Pius X to open the way toward reconciliation talks with
the traditionalist group -- a move that had been opposed
by some bishops in several countries.
Media attention quickly focused on the fact that one
of the four, Bishop Richard Williamson, had given interviews denying the extent of the Holocaust. Suddenly the
German-born pope was on the defensive, having to assure
Jewish leaders and others that his initiative aimed at
church unity and in no way represented a backtracking on
the church’s teachings against anti-Semitism.
One of the most remarkable documents of 2009, in fact,
was the Pope’s subsequent letter to the world’s bishops
expressing his amazement that even some Catholics had
misunderstood him and attacked him “with open hostility.”
The Pope’s visit to Africa in March was a weeklong
experience of intense liturgies, discussions with bishops
and moving encounters with youth, the disabled and even
a group of Pygmies.
But the media impact was overshadowed by the Pope’s
remarks to reporters on the first day of the trip, when he
spoke of the church’s strategies against AIDS and said,
“One cannot overcome the problem with the distribution
of condoms. On the contrary, they increase the problem.”

Pope Benedict XVI
The comment drew widespread criticism, although some
experts agreed that over-reliance on condoms was a problem in African countries.
The Synod of Bishops for Africa in October brought
the continent back into the Vatican spotlight. The Pope
presided over the synod’s assemblies and, at the conclusion, received 57 pastoral proposals to elaborate into a
future document on the church in Africa.
In May, Pope Benedict traveled to Jordan, Israel and
Palestinian territories. The eight-day trip was a biblical
pilgrimage, an interfaith mission and a political balancing act all rolled into one. The pontiff visited a mosque
in the Jordanian capital, prayed at the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem, and blessed cornerstones for
new Christian churches and facilities in the region.
In June, the Pope closed the Year of St. Paul and opened
the Year for Priests. In weekly talks and liturgical celebrations focusing on St. Paul, the pope sketched a detailed
portrait of the man considered the model of Christian
conversion and the archetypal missionary.

In launching the Year for Priests, the Pope said the
church must acknowledge that some priests have done
great harm to others, but it also must thank God for the
gifts the majority of priests have given to the church and
the world.
In July, the Pope issued his long-awaited encyclical on
economic and social justice, “Charity in Truth.” It called
for reform of international economic institutions and
practices, and said the global economic crisis stemmed in
large part from the moral failures of greedy financiers and
investors.
The Pope gave a copy of his encyclical to President
Barack Obama when the two leaders met for the first time
at the Vatican in July, along with a copy of a recent Vatican document on biomedical ethics. In their private talks,
which the Vatican said took place in an atmosphere of
“great serenity and great cordiality,” the president “explicitly expressed his commitment to reducing the numbers of
abortions and to listen to the church’s concerns on moral
issues,” the Vatican said.
In September, Pope Benedict welcomed the new U.S.
ambassador to the Vatican, Miguel Diaz, and in a speech
outlined wide areas of potential cooperation with the
Obama administration. At the same time, echoing concerns
by U.S. church leaders, the Pope called for respect for the
life of the unborn and protection of the right to conscientious objection on the part of health care workers.
Among the new saints proclaimed by the Pope in 2009
were two with strong U.S. connections: Father Damien de
Veuster, the 19th-century Belgian missionary who ministered to people with leprosy in Hawaii, and Sister Jeanne
Jugan, a French nun whose Little Sisters of the Poor continue to assist the elderly in the United States and more than
30 other countries.
In internal church matters, the Pope in May ordered an
apostolic visitation of the Legionaries of Christ and their
institutions following disclosures of sexual impropriety by
the order’s late founder, Father Marcial Maciel Degollado.
In October, the Vatican unveiled Pope Benedict’s new
plan for welcoming Anglicans who want to be in full
communion with the Roman Catholic Church while
preserving aspects of their Anglican spiritual and liturgical heritage.
As the year wound to a close, the Pope buffed up his
“green” credentials in his message for World Peace Day
2010. The message said degradation of the environment is
a pressing moral problem that threatens peace and human
life itself, and called for action on a global and personal
level.

Two popes advance toward sainthood
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI
advanced the sainthood causes of Pope John Paul II and
Pope Pius XII, declaring that both had lived lives of “heroic virtues.”
In signing the decrees Dec. 19, the Pope confirmed the
recommendations of Vatican officials who have studied
the causes for several years. Both popes can be beatified
once a miracle is attributed to their intercession.
The decree on Pope John Paul was expected, and it
fueled hopes for a beatification ceremony sometime next
year. Church experts are already studying a possible mira-

10

cle, the cure of a French nun from Parkinson’s disease, the
same disease from which Pope John Paul suffered.
The decree on Pope Pius came as a surprise. His sainthood cause has been a point of contention with some
Jewish groups and others who say he failed to do enough to
protect Jews during World War II -- an accusation strongly
rejected by Vatican historians.
After the Congregation for Saints’ Causes unanimously recommended the heroic virtues decree for Pope Pius in
2007, Pope Benedict put the cause on hold and put out the
word that both critics and supporters should stop pressing

the issue. In the end, Pope Benedict paired the announcement of Pope Pius’ “heroic virtues” with that of Pope John
Paul, who is remembered for his acts of friendship and
bridge-building with the Jewish community.
That does not mean, however, that both popes would be
beatified together. There is no Vatican timetable for verification of a miracle, and in some cases sainthood causes
have waited many years for that step.
In 2005, Pope Benedict set Pope John Paul on the fast
track to beatification by waiving the normal five-year waiting period for the introduction of his sainthood cause.

THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG • JANUARY 2010

Take First Step Toward Financial Future
The start of a new year brings with it an
abundance of resolutions about health and
personal growth, yet there’s no time like now
to resolve to plan for your family’s financial
future.
The Catholic Foundation for the Diocese
of Tucson hopes our community is renewed
and replenished with blessings in 2010. With
signs of a brightened economic outlook on
the horizon, the creation of an estate plan is
a practical way to ensure those blessings are
used in accordance with your values.
A positive first step is to discuss
the situation with family members,
then inventory everything you own —
your residence, other real estate, financial
holdings, investments, pensions, cars,
jewelry, collectibles and more — and give
a value to each asset. Depending on your
holdings, you may need professional advice
to estimate values. Creating a video inventory
could also be a valuable tool.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,
so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

– Romans 15:13

This inventory record creates the
foundation for creating a will — a legal
document that designates how your assets
will be disbursed after you die.
The Pima County Bar Association,
for a fee, has a lawyer referral service
(520-623-4625) that can recommend an
estate-planning attorney should you need
one. If you are over 60, the Pima Council on
Aging (520-790-7262) can aid your search.
Southern Arizona Legal Aid (520-623-9461)
is a resource for low-cost legal assistance if
you qualify.
We hope you’ll remember the Foundation
when updating your plans and considering
where to donate from your estate. Gifts to

the Foundation may reduce estate taxes and
you can be assured the money will be used in
accordance with your values and intentions.
For more information about the
Foundation and how we can be a part of your
estate planning, please call Executive Director
Martin Camacho at 520-838-2508. You
may also explore the Catholic Foundation’s
Web site, www.cathfnd.org, for useful tips on
estate planning and ways to make gifts to the
Foundation.

Every life leaves a mark. What will be your legacy?
Discover the ways you can continue to make a
difference in the lives of others with a lasting gift
through the Catholic Foundation for
the Diocese of Tucson.
For more information, contact
Martin Camacho, Executive Director
at (520) 838-2508
or mcamacho@cathfnd.org.

Visit us at www.cathfnd.org

111 S. Church Avenue
Tucson, Arizona 85701
Our mission is to build endowments to provide perpetual resources to further
the religious, educational and charitable ministries in the Diocese of Tucson.

JANUARY 2010 • THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG

11

The New Vision photos by Omar Rodríguez

Lifting the spirits
of those who live
at the Nogales dump
Groups of youngsters from three to 12 years old stood at the altar with their eyes wide open, taking
it all in, as Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas and other clergy celebrated Mass at the dump in Nogales, Sonora,
where the kids live. It was part of a Christmas party arranged for the kids by Tucson-based “Poverty
24/6,” with gifts and food provided for all.
Joining the Bishop at the Mass were Father Abran Tadeo, pastor of St. Christopher Parish in Marana, and Deacons Joe Bogushefsky of St. Christopher, Rodney Kulpa of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish
in Tucson, and Ken Brusoe of Holy Angels Parish in Globe.
At the homily, Bishop Kicanas said, “we constructed a nacimiento, and the little ones volunteered to
be Joseph and Mary and the Babe, the donkey, the cows, the sheep, the shepherds, the angels and the
kings bearing gifts. They knew the story. They were part of it.”
“Poverty 24/6” was formed four years ago and regularly carries food, clothing and other supplies to
those who live at the dump and at several orphanages and homes for the elderly and for drug addicts
in the Mexican border town.
Speaking of the dump-dwellers, Bishop Kicanas said: “They have nothing, but their smiles and
delight in eating the simple fare of tortillas…filled me with emotion. They have nothing, but they
received with gratitude and excitement the small gifts that bore their names. They have nothing, but
they shared the small bundles of candies each received. They expressed their thanks.”

12

THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG • JANUARY 2010

JANUARY 2010 • THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG

Journey of Mary and Joseph
reenacted in border town
The annual Bi-National La Posada was
staged on Dec. 19 in Nogales, Sonora,
where a large crowd reenacted the journey
of Mary and Joseph seeking to find a place
for lodging.
“As we progressed from home to home,”
said Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas, “we heard
from migrants the fears they feel, the hopes
they have, the struggles they face.”
The Posada was sponsored by Dioceses
Without Borders, an organization consisting of members from the Dioceses of
Tucson, Phoenix and Hermosillo, to highlight the struggle of the migrants who seek
a place of refuge where they can provide
and care for their families.
Students from Lourdes Catholic High
School in Nogales took the parts of Joseph,

Mary and the Angel, and Mary rode on a
burro during the journey.
The event ended at the Kino Border
Initiative’s center that feeds many migrants
each day. Fathers Sean Carroll, S.J., Don
Bahlinger, S.J., and Peter Neely, S.J., of
the Kino organization were joined for
the event by Father Alfonso “Ponchie”
Vasquez, O.F.M., pastor of San Solano
Missions Parish, and Franciscan Brothers
Chris, Martin and Daid. Father Cayetano
of the Archdiocese of Hermosillo was there
to represent Archbishop Ulyses Macias.
The Posada was organized by Joanne
Welter of the Diocese of Tucson’s Catholic Social Mission Office, along with representatives of the three dioceses, including
Sister Engracia Robles of Nogales, Sonora.

Compassion. It’s in everything we do. And has been
for more than 130 years. From our dedicated staff
to our renowned specialists and physicians, we
carry that compassion forward, every day. It’s part of
our mission. But more importantly, it’s part of who
we are. And it’s why so many people in Southern
Arizona turn to Carondelet Health Network when
they’re in need of health care—body, mind and spirit.
For more information about a Carondelet Health Network
hospital near you, visit carondelet.org.

Have you ever been treated unfairly, received a speeding ticket, signed a contract without
knowing what all the fine print said, or been overcharged for a repair...but didn’t seek the
help of an attorney because of the cost? Or maybe you need to have your will drawn up for
peace of mind and don’t know how to go about it? What if there was a service that gave you
access to affordable, quality attorneys for these situations and more?
PRE -PAID L EGAL S ERVICES , I NC. is here, and that’s what we do! Pre-Paid Legal provides
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Living an independent life
CCS helps people with developmental disabilities lead the lives they want
We all desire to lead independent, productive, and
fulfilling lives, pursuing our passions and dreams. Most
of us are able to do it with the bodies and minds that
we’ve been given. But people with developmental disabilities—such as cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy, and cognitive impairments—often face insurmountable barriers to
living an independent life.
For this reason, The Community Living Program
(CLP), a program of Catholic Community Services’ Southwest Community Services, provides residential supports
to people with developmental disabilities, with services
ranging from minimal personal assistance to around the
clock care and supervision. The result is that the program’s
consumers lead the lives they want, living on their own
and making choices about their lives.
Lewis has always lived with his older sister, but she could
no longer take care of him, primarily because of health
problems. He had gained weight, and it was difficult for
his sister to find clothes for him to wear and to move him
out of bed or into the shower. In addition, Lewis had several other medical issues that needed attention. Once in a
CLP apartment, the staff worked with Lewis to control
his eating and he began losing weight. They took him to
more than 50 appointments to get his health issues under

control. They also helped with grooming and hygiene and
bought clothes that fit him. Today, Lewis is very happy
and now gets out to community events and activities.
Carol had many dreams for her future, despite having
cerebral palsy, mild cognitive impairment, and bipolar
disorder. She had finished a two-year degree program at
Pima Community College and, with assistance from CLP,
was living on her own. But then she went into a severe
manic state. CLP staff members cared for her through
long and difficult periods of erratic and uncontrollable
behaviors and hallucinations. Eventually, Carol was hospitalized, but the staff continued to support her by visiting
and calling her, talking with her family, consulting with
doctors and therapists, and working to make her return
home safe and secure. Once Carol returned home, the staff
supported her in again becoming engaged in life’s activities. Carol has recovered well and is planning to start
school again soon.
Robert, a Deaf man with cognitive disability, was living
like a hermit. He wouldn’t allow anyone but his mother
into his apartment, and hadn’t showered, cut his hair, or
even washed his hands in over a year. Robert moved into a
special CLP apartment, where all the staff members could
communicate with Robert through sign language. Slow-

St. Vincent de Paul Stores
Some Things Never
Go Out of Style!

ly they worked their way into Robert’s life, cleaning his
apartment and preparing some meals. And finally, after
watching a Deaf staff member shave his own head, Robert
let his head be shaved. Soon he agreed to getting his hands
washed and having a shower. Now Robert showers daily,
participates in outside activities, goes shopping, helps
staff cook his meals, and decorates his home—all with a
big smile on his face.
These stories show how the caring and committed
staff members of the Community Living Program make
a difference in the lives of people with developmental
disabilities. This year, however, they have done it in a very
difficult financial climate. Last year, CLP’s budget was
cut by 10 percent because of the state budget crisis. Still
required to meet staffing ratio requirements, CLP couldn’t
cut employee hours, so cuts had to come in other areas,
which has put a real strain on CLP. Unfortunately, more
cuts from the state look likely.
“We have two or three very tough years yet to come,”
said Sue Henning-Mitchell, director of CLP. “But we
will rely on the strength of our staff members to carry
on. They amaze me with their understanding and their
desire to make it all work. They all have great hearts, and
we couldn’t do this without them.”

Your donation to St. Vincent can impact
the life of someone who needs your
help — a family with four small children,
whose mother is unable to work as
she recovers from an illness may need
emergency food; help with rent or
utilities or just someone to provide hope.
Help us continue to help others in faith,
hope and love. Go shopping, donate or
volunteer.

THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG • JANUARY 2010

By ARTURO I. SANCHEZ
When I was asked to write this article, I
thought to myself, “How in the world am
I going to show the people of my Diocese
who I am?” My answer: Just by being
myself.
My parents,
Arturo
and
Martha Sanchez,
raised three children:
Diana,
myself,
and
the little one,
Martha. Growing
up, my parents
worked to put
Arturo I. Sanchez
food on the
table, helped us with our homework, and
nurtured us with their love. The five of us
live in a loving environment with its difficult moments, like everyone else, but those
moments of struggle brought us closer as
a family. We’re not a perfect family and I
guess that makes us normal.
When did you first think about
becoming a priest?
I first thought of becoming a priest
when I was eight years old in second grade.
I was captivated by the Mass. That year,
my teacher, Sister Andrien, was preparing
us for our First Holy Communion and she
taught us that the priest was Christ at the
Last Supper.
Did you have a priest you looked up
to in your youth?

On

the Path to

Priesthood

This is the third in a series
of articles in which seminarians will relate, personally, how and why they’ve
found themselves on the
path to priesthood in the
Diocese of Tucson.

Following Christ’s footsteps
I walk unafraid; not knowing where I tread.
But I walk knowing You have walked here;
Knowing You are with me—next to me.
Yes, many! Two great priests that helped
me discern my vocation were Father Manuel Fragoso and Father Eduardo Romo. I’ve
always admired them for the love and dedication they have for the Church. I thank
them for their example and their continued inspiration!
What do you envision your priesthood to be?
God willing, my priesthood would
revolve around Christ’s Priesthood and in
serving the Church with all my heart, all
my soul, and all my strength. All I want is
to serve God and to carry out His Will in
everything I do.

What is your greatest joy as you
contemplate the priesthood?
I find great joy in thinking about helping
people get closer to God; being a bridge
for people to God.
What do you tell someone who is
considering the priesthood?
First, I would thank him for even
considering the priesthood. Then, I would
tell him to grow deeper in love with Christ
Jesus in the Holy Eucharist, in prayer, and
in those around him. Also, I would remind
him that when we are thinking about this
sacred calling we must always have God’s
Will in our minds and hearts.

How do you relax? Do you have a
favorite vacation and/or retreat spot?
I simply relax by spending time with
my seminarian brothers and sharing many
laughs over a warm cup of coffee. I also
tend to relax by reading a good book.
Describe a good day at the seminary.
A good day usually consists of starting
with prayer and Mass, then going to class
and learning new things, and finally spending time with my seminarian brothers. It’s
pretty simple, but I can assure you that
simple days like these are all you need—
good friends, good moments, good God.
Finish this sentence: It would surprise
people to know I … really enjoy philosophy! I find the study of how humanity
thinks to be intriguing. To grasp the ideas
of those of ancient times and see their
effect in our day and age is completely
amazing! Philosophy for me is man trying
to understand the world around him and
in him, but at the same time searching for
absolute truth—God.
On a final note, being a seminarian is
both amazing and challenging. Therefore,
I ask you to please keep us in your prayers
and pray for more vocations to the Holy
Priesthood. Thank you and God bless you.
—
Arturo I. Sanchez is a first-year college seminarian at Mount Angel Seminary in St. Benedict,
Ore.

Kids overcome trepidation about ‘Swine Flu’ shots
The Diocese of Tucson facilitated clinics at several of our Catholic schools in December. The following is
an “insider’s perspective” of one of these clinics held at
Immaculate Heart School.
Relax.”

“Did it hurt?”
“A little.”
“I didn’t even feel it.”
“That was just the alcohol wipe to clean your arm.
“What color is the medicine in the shot?”
“I heard we get a sticker and a cookie.”

As I stood by each student receiving their H1N1 vaccine
at our school clinic, I couldn’t help remembering my own
elementary experiences. Yes, those were the days in the
late 60s when the administration marched all of us unsuspecting students to the school cafeteria for our smallpox
vaccine.
We who went to grade school during that time still bear
the mark – a small roundish circle on the upper left arm.
Veterans of this vaccine also remember the sound of the
“shotgun” (or whatever it was called) that issued the injections quickly and efficiently and only broke staccato when
the person in front of you cried or fainted!
It became almost comical when nearly every adult of
that era who dropped off permission slips for our H1N1
clinic recounted episodes of their own childhood vaccinations. It was funny to listen as others tried to articu-

PRINCIPAL’S
PONDERINGS
Lynn Cuffari
late the same sounds and the feelings that I also have filed
deep inside my own cabinet of memories. There just aren’t
enough words for it! Fortunately for our children, routine
smallpox vaccinations ceased in 1971.
Unfortunately for them, the swine flu hit this year!
Given the option to take their children to the clinic or
have the school shuttle them to the gym, many parents
entrusted their babies with me. I took this very seriously
as I gathered them from the security of their classrooms
and trudged with them up the hill. Conversations were a
mixture of very nervous chatter and lots and lots of questions.
Several of the students expressed trepidation and tales
that ranged from bravery to honest to goodness fear. Since
I made this trek several times over the day, I was able to
compare notes between siblings. One girl said she “sort
of liked getting her shots.” When I shared this with her
brother when it was his turn, he had no problem saying,
“That doesn’t mean I like shots. That’s her. I’m me.”
One small trooper (a third grader) seemed willing to
accept the fate of receiving his shot, but not until I answered

a list of questions concerning potential side effects as well
as the actual scientific makeup of the vaccine. I referred his
questions to the very capable nurses from Maxim Healthcare Services who were administering the vaccines.
Renee Snow, our P.E. teacher who helped all day, and I
offered hands and hugs to the children who sought moral
support. As we stood next to them, we could feel their
hearts beating so quickly as they faced their fears. Their
hands were cold, and they were so brave.
What warmed our hearts the most was how the students
bolstered each other and the compassion they displayed.
“It only hurts for a second,” they would console each
other.
“Are you okay?”
Even the children who shed a few tears were quick to
say when it was all over that it was the anticipation of the
shot that was scarier than actually getting it. I think we
can all relate to that.
Each child, no matter the age, accepted a sticker and
most took a cookie on the way out. I saw those stickers all
day on the smallest to the tallest. They had earned their
badge of honor. Discussions on the way back down the
hill to the Academy were much more animated than on
the way up.
“Mrs. Cuffari, did you get your shot?” many of the
students asked.
I had to honestly tell them “no” because my age group
does not qualify for the vaccine yet.
(Whew…there are some advantages to growing older!)

JANUARY 2010 • THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG

21

I write often in this space about the
“public” behaviors that are important to
our efforts to create safe environments in
our parishes and schools.
These are the behaviors of keeping
boundaries with those we serve in our
ministries, the behaviors of our safe environment compliance plans and the behaviors of always reporting suspicions of
child abuse.
But I seldom write about “private”
behaviors. This month, though, I want to
address a “private” behavior that can be a
precursor for corruption in ministry, and
that is the use of pornography.
It is not easy to write about pornography. It is not a pretty subject, but neither
is it a subject we can afford to ignore.
There are various types of pornography.
Child pornography is plain and simple
a crime in addition to being a sin. The use
of child pornography must be reported to
law enforcement.
The other types of pornography may
not be crimes, but they are still very
dangerous to the spiritual well being of
our society and of the individual that uses

As we enter a new year filled with promise as well as anxiety, I have found myself
reflecting on the future; more specifically,
the spiritual and psychological health and
happiness of our adult population. Daniel
McAdams is a professor of psychology and
human development and he says that our
health and happiness “depends on how
we see the future and what we do to bring
about the kind of future we wish to see.”
Generativity speaks to this concern. It is
having the ability to produce; originate; or
be fruitful.
We can sometimes get too focused on
short-term goals of every day survival and
generativity gives us eyes to see life in the
long term. In other words, “I am what
survives me.” How do you imagine the
good you do to outlive you? Is it seeing your
children thriving and at peace with their
lives? Is it seeing your students or protégés
making their own valuable contribution?
Is it seeing a world striving for justice and
mercy?
Our biblical tradition has one of the
greatest accounts of generativity. In the
beginning, God essentially generates the
heavens and the earth and continues to
generate people in God’s own image. As
children of God, we do the same thing. The
products of our generativity become our
children, our work, and our legacies.
Adults can be generative in many different ways. McAdams believes that “the most
generative people are constantly imagining futures. They envision a better world
for themselves, their families, and their
society. When you imagine the future this
way, it sensitizes you to the sacredness of

22

PROTECTING
OUR CHILDREN
PAUL DUCKRO, Ph.D

The issue of
pornography
them.
While pornography in all its forms is of
concern, it is Internet pornography that
is proving to be the most pervasive and
prone to compulsive use.
Internet pornography draws people in
with its promise of secrecy, although in
the end nothing could be more public.
Internet browsing can be tracked and
recovered very easily.
It also claims to hurt no one. Yet this is
an industry that grinds many lives in the
cogs of its wheels.
Beyond its societal effects, pornography has two major adverse effects on the
person who uses it.
First, it promises relationship, but it is
empty. It offers only the illusion of relationship. In the end, it is nothing but

That All May Know the Savior
A reﬂection on the challenges and
joys of ministry from the Jordan Ministry Team

Fr. Joe Rodrigues

Generating new life in
the New Year
life on earth. The most generative people
among us cherish life as if it were a beautiful infant.”
Generativity is about generating good
people and good things. According to
noted psychoanalyst Erik Erikson, we
begin to focus our lives on generativity as
we move into the middle adult years, in our
thirties, forties, and fifties. Giving birth to
a child is perhaps the most fundamental
form of generativity. But people can “give
birth” in many ways -- from beginning a
company, writing a book or song, to being
a voice for the voiceless, bringing hope to
the despairing or giving back to society.
As God’s legacy has been passed onto us
with grace and concern, so we must care for
what we have made. We need to be oriented toward promoting the next generation
and not vanquishing it. We must come to
grips with our own mortality and limitations seeking to leave a legacy of love. In
essence, it is wanting to leave a part of our
best self behind. We enter into that experience in a Eucharistic way with Jesus when
we hear, “Do this in remembrance of me.”
.
There is an interesting paradox here. If
the first aspect of generativity is a powerful extension of the self, the second aspect

images. As for a person who eats food
with empty calories, the satisfaction is
fleeting. The pornography user is drawn
to seek more and more, all without good
effect.
Second, it is lived in secret. In the case
of a person who is publicly committed to
serving our Church, secret use of pornography sets up a “disconnect” between stated and lived values.
Acting in private in a manner that
is inconsistent with one’s public life
erodes integrity. When it is exposed, it
also supports the prejudice of those who
wish to believe that all persons of religious faith are hypocrites, further damaging the mission with which we have been
entrusted.
What help is there for persons caught
in the web of pornography?
Treatment of compulsive use of pornography usually involves a combination of
cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy and
12-Step support groups.
Persons struggling with their use of
pornography over the Internet could
benefit from the self-help book, “Getting
Internet Pornography Out of Your Life.”

Published by social worker Chris
Countryman, it is a guide for individuals and families that makes very clear how
pornography adversely affects the life
of the user in addition to doing harm to
those who are used in its manufacture.
It offers very specific paths on how to
get out of the compulsive swamp of Internet pornography, whether one has just a
foot in the muck or is sinking entirely.
More information is available at www.
directactionbooks.com.
Awareness of the societal harm caused
by pornography is an important consideration in combating its effects.
Last year, the Secretariat of Pro-Life
Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops published a very informative
pamphlet on pornography.
“Pornography: What’s the Problem?”
begins with some statistics on what
author Mark Houck called the “startling
growth” of the industry, including revenue generated, web pages established and
the number of users, many of whom sadly
are the youth of our country.
The pamphlet is free at www.usccb.org/
prolife/programs/rlp/houck.pdf.

is almost selfless. It is not enough to make
something in our own image. We must
nurture, love and even sacrifice ourselves,
and eventually let it go. Letting go is not
easy. Ultimately, we cannot control what
we generate. Biblically, this is God’s experience as well. But we must care for and
love it anyway. “The two faces of generativity are power and love, forces that often
confl ict in people’s lives. What we generate
becomes a legacy of the self, and we care
for that legacy selflessly. The fullest expressions of generativity blend power and love,”
says McAdams.
Adults who are highly generative usually tell life stories filled with what psychologists call “redemption sequences.” This is
where a bad situation gives way to a positive result and actually redeems the initial
bad experience. Bad things do happen and
suffering is a part of life, but good things

will come out of it if one keeps faith and
hope alive. Erik Erikson believed that
“people must have a basic belief in the
species if they are to be generative.” We
need a faith that believes despite suffering, setbacks and even evil, human beings
are potentially good and human life can
be good for the generations to come. This
stance sustains us in our most difficult
efforts of generativity. Holding out hope
in our redemption gives us faith that our
legacies will be good, that things will work
out in the end. St. Paul reminds us that sin
and death will never conquer love and life!
This is part of the legacy we as faithful sons
and daughters of God leave for our children. A wise African proverb underlines
this notion with humility: “The world was
not left to us by our parents. It was lent to
us by our children.” Generate a happy new
year!

The Jordan Ministry Team

Sharers in Ministry

Hearts:

We oﬀer:
• Level One and Two certiﬁcation
classes for teachers and catechists
• Courses on theology and spirituality
• Advent and Lenten Series
• Retreats and Days of Recollection
• Other programming to ﬁt the
needs of your faith community
Jordan Ministry 520-623-2563

Many Voices / One Mission”
A Valentine evening of dinner, concert, and dancing:
Music by Fr. Joe Rodrigues with Patti
Munsen & Friends.
Sunday, February 14, 2010 4:00 PM
Support the work of the Jordan Ministry Team
in their adult faith formation work throughout the
Tucson Diocese. Your support will help bring more
quality programs and resources to all the parishes in our
diocese.
Call 520-623-2563 or visit www.jordanministry.org
for reservation information. Tickets are $60 each. Seating is limited, reserve ASAP!
CALENDAR EVENTS FOR JANUARY
PLEASE SEE WEBSITE!

THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG • JANUARY 2010

Irish bishop resigns, apologizes
DUBLIN (CNS) -- Bishop Donal Murray of Limerick under.”
“Responsibility must be taken by all who hold a posihas resigned after weeks of pressure over his handling of
clerical sexual abuse when he served in the Dublin Arch- tion of authority and collective responsibility,” the statement said.
diocese.
The archbishop also acknowledged that “serious diffiSpeaking Dec. 17 after the Vatican announced that Pope
culties of structure and communication at
Benedict XVI had accepted his resignathe management level” of the archdiocese
tion, Bishop Murray told a large congreexisted and promised that “radical reform”
gation – including many priests – in St.
across the archdiocese, including the area
John’s Cathedral in Limerick:
of child protection, would be undertaken.
“I humbly apologize once again to
Speaking in Rome, Jesuit Father Federiall who were abused as little children. I
co Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman, said
know full well that my resignation cannot
Bishop Murray “presented his resignation
undo the pain that survivors of abuse
on his own initiative.”
have suffered in the past and continue to
In his remarks, Bishop Murray said he
suffer each day.”
had
heard from numerous abuse survivors
A government investigation found
and some asked him to resign while others
that Bishop Murray, who served as auxilurged him to stay on.
iary bishop of the Dublin Archdiocese
“A bishop is meant to be a person who
from 1982 to 1996, failed to investigate
seeks to lead and inspire all the people of
allegations of abuse against a priest and
the diocese in living as a community united
called his action “inexcusable.” The findBishop Murray
in the truth and love of Christ,” he said. “I asked
ings from the investigation, published Nov.
26 in the so-called Murphy Report, looked at the handling the Holy Father to allow me to resign and to appoint a new
of some 325 abuse claims in the archdiocese in the years bishop to the diocese because I believe that my presence
will create difficulties for some of the survivors.”
1975-2004.
Bishop Murray’s resignation comes as Irish Catholics
The commission in charge of the investigation also
found that church leaders had put the avoidance of scan- are awaiting a pastoral letter from Pope Benedict XVI on
dal and the reputation of the institution before the rights the issue. The Pope promised such an the letter after a Dec.
4 summit with leaders from the Irish Catholic Church at
of victims.
Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin welcomed the Vatican. The letter will herald a “significant structurBishop Murray’s resignation, saying in a statement, “I al reform” of the church in Ireland, Archbishop Martin
appreciate the personal difficulty and pressure he has been said.

CNS file photo

Cardinal opposes Mexico city’s
support for same-sex marriage
Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera of Mexico City slammed
the Dec. 21 decision by the Mexico City assembly that opened
the door to same-sex marriage and adoption. He called the
new law “immoral” and said it tears against the structure of
the family.

‘Take first step’ to reconcile, Pope urges Christians
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Christians need to make
the first move in offering reconciliation and establishing
peace, which includes accepting the blame for wrongdoings, Pope Benedict XVI said.
“Today we must learn once again to be able to recognize
guilt, we must shake off the illusion of being innocent,”
the Pope said Dec. 21 in his annual pre-Christmas address
to the Roman Curia and cardinals who reside in Rome.
“We must learn the ability to do penance, to let ourselves
be transformed; to meet the other and let God give us the
courage and strength for such renewal.”
The Pope introduced the theme of reconciliation in his

remarks looking back on the Synod of Bishops for Africa in October, which was dedicated to the church’s role in
fostering reconciliation, justice and peace. The Pope made
no mention of his recent meeting with top officials of the
Irish Catholic church concerning the handling of clerical sex abuse cases and his plan to write a special pastoral letter to Irish Catholics, which was likely to include the
suggestion of public services of repentance for Irish bishops and priests.
In promoting peace and reconciliation, he said, Christians must take their example from Christ, who freely
became human and died for the sins of all.

Free of ulterior motives, people must “be willing to take
the first step, be the first to meet the other, offering them
reconciliation, taking on the pain that comes with letting
go of having to always be right,” the Pope said.
Pope Benedict called for a rediscovery of the sacrament
of penance, which has more or less “disappeared from the
existential habits of Christians” today.
The neglect of the sacrament is “a symptom of the loss
of truth in relation to ourselves and with God; a loss that
puts our humanity in danger and weakens our capacity for
peace,” he said.

Dear friends,
It is with great pleasure and excitement that we invite you to join us on our 12 days
Splendors of Italy and Switzerland.

Last opportunity until the year 2020
We look forward to having you join us
on this trip of a lifetime!

Deacon Joe Delgado
520-432-9047

JANUARY 2010 • THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG

23

Wolves’ ‘den’
Just months after breaking
ground, the new gym and fitness center at St. Augustine
Catholic High School has
been opened and dedicated
at the campus on Tucson’s
east side. The entire “Wolves”
student body was joined by
dignitaries as Bishop Gerald
F. Kicanas blessed the facility, which was funded by an
anonymous donation.
At top left are Mr. and Mrs. “Buck” O’Rielly, longtime school benefactors. Below with Bishop Kicanas are Teresa Baker, the school’s development director, and Tucson Mayor Bob Walkup.